Obituary of Bette "Marlene" Taylor

Taylor, Bette "Marlene" of Belmont died peacefully at London Health Science Centre-Victoria Hospital on Christmas day, December 25, 2024 in her 87^th year.

 Beloved wife of the late Ralph Taylor(2012). Dear mother of James Taylor(Darlene) of Belmont and John Taylor(Patricia) of North Vancouver, British Columbia. Loving grandmother of Trianna Landon(Devin), Aonghas Taylor, Quinlan Taylor and great-grandmother of Thatcher and Vada Landon. Sister of Barbara Clark(Jim), Robert Buchanan(Carolyn), Dennis Buchanan, Daniel Buchanan(Sharon) and sister-in-law of Jean Buchanan and Norma Potter. Marlene also had many special Taylor and Buchanan nieces and nephews who she spoke fondly of and was proud of all their accomplishments. Over the years, she spent time with her twin cousins Jean and June(Marr) from Haslett, Michigan USA. Predeceased by her brother Jamie(2011) and special sister-in-law Debbie Buchanan(Dennis). Born in London, Ontario on May 29, 1938, daughter of the late James and Alice(Marr) Buchanan.

Marlene was known by many to be a dedicated elementary school teacher starting at the age of 18. First at Belmont Public School, South Dorchester Public School and later to Scott Street and Balaclava Public Schools in St. Thomas. She will be remembered for being a South Dorchester Township councillor where she served for several years helping to make decisions and implement changes that would benefit all constituents. Also, she spent countless hours of service and dedication as a lifetime member of the Belmont United Church. Evidence of Marlene’s dedication to her community and volunteer efforts can be seen throughout Belmont. She was a founding board member for Bel Parc- the apartment rental facility specifically for seniors in Belmont. Marlene also played a key role in organizing, funding and caring for the Belmont Community Park for people to gather with their loved ones and enjoy. When Marlene wasn’t working, volunteering or spending time with family, she loved to travel and took many trips with Ralph and her friends; also enjoyed her cottage life on the Pickerel River. Marlene was an avid reader and passed that passion on to her students and grandchildren. Her bookshelves were also stuffed with photo albums of travels near and far in search of an adventure or rest and relaxation. Marlene was always curious about other people and their culture and traditions. She loved to share her experiences and newfound knowledge with her friends at Koffee Klatch at the Belmont United Church or the Belmont Diner upon her return from her travels.  Visitation will be held at the H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Belmont United Church on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation-burial, Dorchester Union Cemetery. Donations to the Belmont Community Park(P.O. Box 128 Belmont, ON N0L 1B0), the Belmont United Church(e-transfer: donate@belmontunitedchurch.ca) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com

“The family would like to express their gratitude to friends and neighbours who were always so kind to Marlene and kept an eye out for her well-being. It takes a village! We would also like to acknowledge the Alzheimer Society (Care Support Group) for all the help and guidance over the last few years. Finally, the family would like to thank the caregivers at Ashwood Manor who made Marlene as comfortable as possible for the last year and a half and also to the caregivers at LHSC- Victoria Hospital long-term care over the last four weeks.”